Sheet-metal fireproof window.



PATENTED JAN. 23, 1906.

w. H. MILLER. SHEET METAL FIREPROOP WINDOW.

guwwfom 2 SEEETS APPLICATION FILED APR. 17, 1905.

witn zmo PATENTED JAN. 23, 1906. W. H. MILLER. SHEET MBTAL FIREPROOF WINDOW.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 17, 1905.

2 sums-sum 2.

Witnemm scription of the J for use in WILLIAM HENRY MILLER, OF GALVESTON, TEXAS. SH'EET -METAL ElfiEPRQQiwmoow.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J an; 23, 1906.

Application filed April 17, 1905. Serial No. 255,996.,

To whom it may concern:'- Be it known that I Galveston, in the county of Galveston and tate of "Texas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sheet-Metal Fireproof Windows; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, andexact deinvention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements in window construction; and its object is to provide a fireproof window particularly adapted fireproof structures and having its frame and sash formed of sheet-metal portions assembled in a novel manner.

Another object is to provide sashes of this construction which can be opened and held.

in such ,position, but which will automatically close when air of an unusually high temperature comes in contact withthem.

A still further object is to so arrange the sashes within their frame as to permit them to be readily moved from or placed into position.

With the above and other objects in view the invention consists of a windowframe, the sides, top,'and b formed of strips of sheet metal of proper shape and permanently connected with rivets and lock-joints. formed within it for the reception of supporting-pins extending l sash, whereby said swung into either u tion.

The invention also consists in providing a lower sash with counterbalances, which are secured to said sash by fusible devices which extend to opposite sides of the sash, so as to be readily contacted by any gases-of an unusually high temperature, thereby causing the sash to be released and to .drop by gravity into closed position. i

The inventionialso consists'inproviding means whereby the lower sash maybe cushsash is adapted to be pright or horizontal posi- 1 ioned when falling into closed position.

The. invention also consists of a fusible holder for securing the upper sashin a horizontal position, said holder being adapted to release said sash when heated, so as to cause it to automatically close.

The invention also consists of certain other novel features: of, construction, which will be ottom of which are each The frame has grooves aterally from the upper screw-bolts 5, secured to the strip 1.

ing.

hereinafter more fully described, and pointed WILLIAM HENRY h/IIL out in the claims. LER, a citizen of the United States, residing at In the accompanying drawings I have shown the referred form of my invention.

In said rawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a window constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a central vertical section therethrou h., Fig.3is a'vertical sectiOn through the ame and window-sashes, taken atone side oflthe center thereof to show the fusible link in elevation. Fig. 4 is an enlarged section on line 4 4, Fi 3. Fig. -5 is a side elevation of a portion 0 the lower sash andshowing the means for connecting the chain of the counterbalance to the sash. Fig. 6 is a perspective view. of a portion of one side of the upper sash and showing the pivot-pin thereof. Fig. 7 .is a central vertic'a] section through the parts shown in 6. Fig. 8 is apersp'ective view of a portion 0 the inner face of the frame and showing the bearing for the pin disclosed in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of one of the rails of a sash, showing the glass holding means prior to placing the glass within the sas Fig. 10 is a section through the parts shown securingthe holdin throug an intermediate bar of a windowsash constructed in accordance with my invention and showing the means for securing the glass thereto.

Referring to the figures by numerals of reference, 1 is the inner strip of one side of the window-frame and is formed of a continuous length of sheet metal extending from the sill to the top of the frame. This strip is stepped u on its inner face to form an angular shoul er 2, which forms one wall of a guideway for the lower sash within the case The other wall of this guideway is formed of a channeled str'p 3, having keyhole slots 4 therein, which receive and enga e It 'w1ll beunderstood that by raising the guide-strip 3 so as to bring the large portions of the slots 4 around the bolts -5 saidguide-strip can be readily removed, and when it is in its normal position with the screw-bolts the contact ed portions, of slots .4 it is impossible for it'to become accidentally displaced. A lateral extension 6 is formed along one edge of the face-strip 1, while theotheredge thereof has 'a lateral extending channeled "portion 7.

glass in position by bending the device, and Fig. 11 1s a section I of screw-bolts 12 or in any ot tions' of the window-frame. I

This channeled portion is ada ted to receive oneedge of the outer strip 8 of the side of the frame, while the extension 6 engages the opposite inwardly-bent edge 9 of the strip 8. The two sides of the window-frame are formed as herein described, and each has an opening 10 adj acentthe bottom thereof and between the shoulder 2 and the outer face of the'frame. These openings are normally closed by plates 11, adapted to'be secured in Eositionb means er suitab e manner. B removing these plates access may be readi y had to the interiors of the side por- These side portions are permanently connected to the sill and top of the window-frame in any preferred manner, preferably by forming lugs 13 upon 9 theends of the strips which project into the sill and head,as shown by dotted lines in Fig.

adapted to be subsequently bent upward so as to-bind all portions of the frame together. The sill is formed of a singlestrip 14 of sheet metal, which is open at the bottom and the upper surface of whichis stepped and inclined so as to simulate-the sill of the ordinary Wooden window-casing. The top 3, and are of the frame is formed, preferably, of two strips 15 and-16, which interlock by forming the strip 15 with channeled edges 17, in

which are seated the edges of the strip 16.

' The outer strip 16 is substantially the same in contour as the strips 8, and the inner strip 15 is the same in contour as the strips 1 excepting that it isprovided with a bead 18, adapted to register with stop-strips 19, secured longitudinally to the inner strips 1 adjacent the outer edges thereof. Thesestop-strips 19 extend downward to points adjacent the ends of grooves 20,'which are formed within the strips 1. These grooves are inclined downfrom the shoulders 2 and register with manently connected to the strips land upon the inner surface thereof. Another sto strip 22 is, secured to strip 1 adjacent t e shoulders 2 and belowthe grooves 20, and

4 the lower ends of these stop-strips are connected by an intermediate cross-bar 23,

formed of a base-strip 24, having inwardlybent edges 25, which interlock with the recurved edges 26 of an upper strip 27. This upper strip has a bead 28 along the inner edge thereof, which registers. withthe stop-strips The slots or grooves 20, before referred to, are adapted to receive bearingpins 29, formed upon plates 30, which are secured within the sides of the upper window-sash 31. This sashconsists of an outer strip 32, formed of sheet metal and having inwardly-curved edges 33, adapted to engage the recurved edges 34 of a strip 35, which is bent to simulate the correspondin portion of the ordinar window-sash. his strip 35 has a central y-arranged shoulder 36, against which -thewindow-frame, as shown in Fig. 2.

49 extending from it and over a the lass 37 is adapted to be held by means of iable cleats 38, which are rivetedto the strip '35 and are adapted to be bent overthe edges of the glas's,'-as shown in Fig. 10. The

plate 30 is secured to the inner surface of the side strips 32 by means of screw-bolts 39, which extendthrough slots 40 within said side strips 32. The bearing-pins 29 also extend through slots, and it will therefore be seen that these pins can be adjusted longitudinally of the sides of the sash. The sash is so proportioned that'when it is in a vertical position it will rest between the two pairs of sto strips 19 and 22 and its lower surface wil contact with the top strip 27 of the intermediate bar 23. A spring-catch 41 is secured to the upper bar of theupper sash and is adapted to automatically engage the top of This spring-catchhas a hook 42, adapted to be engaged by one end of a rod 43, detachably connected-to one side ofthe window-frame. A

. fusible link 44 is connectedto the top bar of the upper sash at a point removed from the center thereof and is adapted to be engaged by the rod 43, which when in such position 1 will holdthe sash horizontally and in contact with the 'adjloining ends of the stop-strips 19 and 22, as s own in Fig. 3.-

The lower sash is substantially similar in construction to. the: upper v sash, but the length thereof is'greater than'the distance between the top of the frame and-the intermediate bar 23. The side strips 32 of this lower sash are, however, provided with elongated apertures 45, and openin s are formed within the lower portions of the inner and outer face of this sash for the reception of metal ti s 46, which are secured to the sash by fusibl metal and to which are connected sash chains or cords 47, disposed within the sash. Each of these cords extends over a pulley 48, located within the sash and havin a chain a portion of the frame. Each'of these chains 49 hasa counterbalance (not shown) connectpulley 50 in I ed to it and movable longitudinally within the sides of the frame; The thickness of each of the metal tips v46 is greater than the opening through the pulleyblock 43' in which thecord 47 works, and it will therefore be seen that should either of these tips be re leased it could not pass through or out of engagement with the pulley, but would act as a stoo to prevent the withdrawal of the cord therefrom. Itwill of course be understood that a chain 49 is arranged in each side. of the lower sash, and therefore two cords 47 are employed, one adjacent each side-of the sash.

It is thought that the operation of the sashes will be understood from the foregoing description. However it might be stated that the lower sash can be raised or lowered I as ordinarily; but when raised the lower rail position by pulling thereof will always be below the intermediate ways be exposed to theaction of heat. The upper sash can be swung into a horizontal on the catch 41 means of rod 43,- and after it has been released it can be held'in a horizontal position by plaein the rod in engagement with link 44. If sashes are opened, as shown in Fig.3, the will'remain sounless link 44 and 'oneor bot of the tips 46 are subjected to unusual heat.

In that event both the link and the tips will sashes can .vent it from fuse. This action of the link will cause the rod 43 to becomedisengaged from will swing-b 1 If one ofeac lfi'should be fused, they would pi'ompty release the ends of the cords 4'2,v connected thereto,and the weight of I the sash would 'cause it to fallby gravity into a closed posi- When it reaches this oint, the 're-, leased tips will contact with t tion.

e pulleys 48 and prevent displacement of the will suflicientl ropping with sufficient force to become injured. 1

Y It will be seen that either or both of the be readily removed. The upper sash need only be inclined so that'its bearingpins 29 can be slid from the slots 20. To remove the lower sash, the slid upward until the bolts are brou ht within the-large ends of the slots 4. ter the lower sash-has been removed in this manner the cords 47 can. be drawn down and tips 46 attached againby means of fusible ymetal without the necessity'of.t-aking the sash to pieces, because the I mit access to be readily had to the interior of the sash.

. in the sash, I

openings .45 per- Where intermediate rails are formed with preferably construct, them in the manner shown in Fig. 11. By referring to said figure itwill be seen that said rail is formed of a main strip having an intermediate bead 51, fromwhioh project oppositelyextending'fianges 52, terminating with converging edges 53. These edges-and flan esare overlapped by extends over and cleats, which are are vadapted to The glass used in preferably wired, cnred in place by. means of the cleats 48 and 54 putty can be placed over said cleats, so as a base-striped, which a s0- serves to retain the pliable similar to the cleats 38 and hold the glass in position.

, togive the sash the ordinary appearance. I

have shown putty so arranged at 56 in Figs.

3 and 4.

A window such as herein-described is light, durable, and wind, rain, and fire proof and is particularlyiadapted for use in fireproof structures. The fact that/the windows will automatically closemtheiexent of a fire loo oth

the upper gravity intov of said ti s ords 47/ The passage of the cords 'ovegtheir pulleys 48' retard'the falling sash to pre-" guide-strips 3 are The combination comprising interlocking connection with the sash is 0 and after it has been se.. a

frame.

formed of interlocking is also considered by me to be an important feature of the invention,

' As shown in the drawings, a suitable sashk 57 can be connected to the sash and the sliding sash is referably provided with one or more sash-1i ts 58.

In the foregoing description I have shown the referred form of my invention; but I do not imit myself thereto, as. I am aware that fmod fications may be made therein without spirit or sacrificing the departing from the advantages thereof, and I therefore reserve the right to make such changes asfairly fall within the scope of my invention.

' Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

I 1. Th (low-frame comprising interlocking inner and outer strips, ofslots within the sides of the ame, boxes in and closing theslots, a swinging sash within the frame, and bearingins ad ustabl connected thereto and detachably mounts within theslots and'boxes. I

2'. 'The combination with a window-frame formed of interlocking metallic strips and normally closed apertures in the sides of the casing, said sides'having guide-shoulders; of adetachable guide-stripv parallel with the shoulder, a metallic sash slidably mounted said frame registering with e combination. with a metallic winbetween the strip and shoulder, a counterbalance, a flexible device'extending from the counterbalance through the frame and into the sash, a "pulley within the sash and connected to said device, a non-fusible cord roo mounted upon the pulley and fusible connections between the ends of the cord and the sash, sa'id connections extending through the walls of the sash.

with a Window-frame metallic stri s and longitudinally extendmgshoulders ormed by thesides of the frame upon the inner surfaces thereof, of an intermediate metallic cross-bar connecting the sides of the'frame, a

stop-bead integral therewith, stop-strips upon 7 the sides of the frame alining with said bead, a bead upon the top of the frame and depending therefrom, stop-strips upon the side of the frame alining with said head, a sash pivoted within theframe betweenthe stop-strips and adapted to pened or closed, and bearingpins adjustly connected 'to the sash and engaging the 4. The combination with a window-frame, of a sash movably. mounted therein and metallic strips constituting side and end bars, a pulley within each of the side bars, a counterbalance within the frame,-flexible device's connecting the coun terbalance and pulleys, non --fusible cords mounted upon the. pulleys and within the sash, fusib le tips connecting the ends of the contact therewith when 5. The combination with a window-frame, of a sash movably mounted within the frame,-

a counterbalance therefor, a'fus'ible connectlon between the counterbalance and sash,

and means for retarding the movement ofthe f sash subsequent to its release from the counterbalance.

6. A window-sash comprising outer and inner interlocking metallic strips forming v hollow side and end bars, said side bars having elongated apertures therein, fusible tips extending through the front and rear walls of the bars, a pulley within each sidebar, a non fusible cord mounted upon the pulley and secured at its ends to the tips, said tips being 0t greater thickness than the diameter of the passage through the pulley to constitute 7. of a sash movablymounted within the frame, a counterbalance therefor, and a tusiblecon- 8. Thecombination with a window-frame;

of a sash movably mounted Within the frame, a counterbalance therefor, and fusible con- -.nect'ions between the counterbalance andsasl1, said connections being disposed upon opposite outer faces of the sash.

9. The .combination with a metallic window-frame; of a swinging metallic sash mounted within the window-frame, a sliding sash within the frame, independent means for holding both of the sashes in opened position, and fusibleconnections between said means and their respective sashes, said connections being disposed outside of the sashes.

In testimony 'whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM HENRY MILLER.

Witnesses: Y

W. T. Frrz GERALD, A. M. PiiRoELL. 

